April 2026

Journal

Toward 100% Renewable Power Grids: A Review

By:
Yang, Yayu; Wen, Yan; Zhang, Zhengfa; Dong, Yuqing; Shen, Chong; Liu, Yilu
Journal Name:
IEEE Access
Page Number:
69690-69704
Volume:
13
Publication Date:
April 15, 2026
View DOI Listing:
https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3558772

Abstract

The transition to a 100% renewable power grid remains beset by significant technical challenges. This paper critically examines the obstacles arising from the variability and unpredictability of renewable energy sources (RES), which complicate the real-time balancing of power generation and load demand. In addition to traditional stability concerns (e.g., rotor angle, voltage, and frequency stability), the increasing penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs) introduces novel challenges, including resonance stability issues and converter-driven dynamics. Moreover, the dynamic behavior and fault response of IBRs diverge markedly from those of conventional synchronous generators, rendering traditional protection schemes increasingly inadequate. This paper reviews state-of-the-art solutions in power balancing, grid flexibility, stability enhancement, and advanced protection strategies, discussing their implications for future grid design. The analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of recent technological advancements, thereby outlining critical research directions essential for achieving a resilient, 100% renewable power grid.


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